Enchanting lights in the dark of night, the delight of cleverly shaped light sculptures, and trees perfectly adorned with a seemingly infinite number of lights, are the makings of unforgettable memories for people of all ages. Get your sparkle on this year by visiting these holiday light displays throughout Pittsburgh and beyond.
12 Places to See Holiday Lights Near Pittsburgh
Findlay Township Christmas Light-Up
Through January 3
If you’re looking to escape the cold but still want to see gorgeous, twinkling displays, this light-up is for you! Round up friends and family into a car and head through a drive-through winter wonderland. View moving characters, trees, and so much more all covered in little bulbs of color.
Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens Dazzling Nights
Through January 3
Immerse yourself in a mile-long, awe-inspiring holiday experience. The Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens decorates their outside space in millions of tiny twinkling lights each winter season. Whether you’re dancing through a tunnel of stars or posing with dozens of ornaments, there’s beauty at every turn.
Wild Illuminations
Through January 11 (5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Experience the zoo lit up in holiday colors with different animal displays, themed music, and plenty of treats along the way. You can choose to walk through the tunnels of lights at your own pace or bring the family in the car for a cozy drive-through.
Miracle On Main Street Zelienople
December 4
A charity and festive event wrapped in a neat little bow. All activities are provided for free by the local businesses of Zelienople as an early gift to the community. Families can enjoy sleigh rides, a light-up parade, Christmas carols, cookie decorating, cartoon characters, prayer tents, and a live Nativity.
Beverly Brite Nite
December 4
This tradition for the Beverly Road shops allows for extended shopping hours to help check everyone off your gift list and plenty of excitement. Visit Santa, see the coolness of a live ice carving, and watch the lighting of the infamous tree.
Light Up Sewickley
December 5
Jingle your way into the holiday season in the village with live entertainment, food trucks, carolers, and fun for the whole family ending with a dazzling fireworks display. Catch a free carriage ride and an ice sculpture demonstration while you wait for that amazing finale.
Swissvale Night of Lights
December 6
Get a special look at the Swissvale fire trucks with a live holiday tree and menorah lighting. Warm up with hot chocolate and cookies while making a holiday craft to take home. Santa will also make a special appearance to light the holiday tree with magic dust and greet the children.
Light Up Bellevue
December 6
Bona Fide Bellevue brings the neighborhood together for an evening of festive cheer. Find the perfect gift at the outdoor holiday market to the sounds of live music. Children can participate in different activities and meet Santa before ending the event with the tree lighting.
Light Up The Wall Aspinwall
December 6
This is a great family-friendly event to ring in the season. Visit Santa, listen to the carolers, get the kids’ faces painted, sip on delicious hot chocolate, and much more. Don’t forget about the fireworks that’ll end the evening.
Allegheny County Holiday Laser Show
December 1 – 23
Don’t miss this spectacular 40-minute laser light show synchronized to holiday music. Bring your own snacks and cuddle up inside or outside your car. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the North Pole with the Northern Lights floating across the sky.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Through January 4
Explore the greenhouses of Phipps Conservatory for winter blooms alongside sparkling holiday lights. This year, explore topiary reindeer, rainbow birdhouses, snowflakes, topiary polar bears, and so much more. Plus, the whole time you’ll stroll along to festive tunes throughout.
Kennywood Holiday Lights
Through January 4
You’ve been to Kennywood in the summer but their Holiday Lights display takes this amusement park up a step. No matter where you look, you’re sure to see a shimmering display. Walk through dripping blue lights over the park’s trees, ride the train through gingerbread adventures, attend a number of tree lightings, and even meet the big man himself, Santa.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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